Changed NFL rules don’t impress Nate Burleson

Seattle native and former Seahawk Nate Burleson, recovering from a broken leg last year with Detroit, nevertheless is not a fan of the new rules designed for player safety.

Former Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson (2006-2009) said NFL rules changes designed to protect players are “getting close” to diminishing the game in which he and his football-playing family grew up and thrived.

Burleson, 31, was in his third season with the Detroit Lions went he broke his leg against Chicago in week 6. Back home in Seattle for rehab, he attended the Sports Star of the Year event Jan. 26 at Benaroya Hall and stopped by the red carpet booth for a video chat with SPNW’s Art Thiel.

Burleson, who caught 418 passes in his 10-year NFL career with three teams, said he “likes getting hit” and has told defensive backs who have been penalized for overzealous tackles when he disagrees with the call.

Speaking of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Burleson, who has never been accused of bashfulness on the field, said he was amazed at Wilson’s play: “I like it when players develop a character that is bigger than the game.”

YourThoughts

It’s a work in progress. Yes, football is a physical sport but when you’re fifty years old in chronic pain and having memory issues you’ll think twice about saying that that it was all worth it.

The NFL and NFLPA should look at upgrading current bylaws such as requiring a player to sit out a game after a concussion or if they’ve had a certain number of them their career is done. I know neither side would agree to that but that’s the reality of the situation. If they do add more games to the playoffs they should shorten the season and/or exhibition season as well.

WeeklyRoundup Email

Followus on Twitter

Likeus on Facebook

Circleus on Google+

SportspressNW.com has partnered with Crosscut.com. Watch exclusive videos of Art Thiel and get the latest political and civic news from the Northwest at Crosscut.com.

ArtThiel on KPLU

Kirsten Kendrick's Q. & A. with Thiel can be heard every Friday during Morning Edition at 5:35am and 7:35am and again that same day on All Things Considered at 4:45pm. It also airs Saturday at 6:35am and 9:35am.